Novel crops under the conference spotlight (From Gazette & Herald)

Novel crops under the conference spotlight

NOVEL crops came under the spotlight at the ADAS Crops and Markets conference held at Bishop Burton College, near Beverley, and chaired by Wolds farmer Mark Flint.

Crambe and borage are already a familiar sight in the Yorkshire coutryside and waiting in the wings are such exotics as echium, calendula and camelina.

Simon Meakin, of Springdale Crop Synergies, stressed that crops previously unsupported under the old farm support system were now more financially attractive than before.

Non-food crops are the focus of the next conference to be held at Bishop Burton College on Friday, February 11. Former NFU chairman Ben Gill will speak at the event on renewable energy, organised by the East Riding Local Strategic Partnership Climate Change Task Group. The event is free and places can be booked by contacting Robin Rank on (01964) 553000.

Updated: 10:39 Wednesday, February 02, 2005